Things to do in  Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s showstopping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the first sights that greets travelers crossing over from the mainland. It’s nothing short of spectacular: a gleaming expanse of white marble adorned with 82 domes, four sky-high minarets, and lashings of gold. There’s space for more than 40,000 worshippers—twice the crowd at a sold-out Madison Square Gardens concert—making it the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

Running along the northwest side of the city, the Corniche (also known as Corniche Road) is a stretch of land on the waterfront perfect for a stroll or bike ride. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) promenade has dedicated cycling and pedestrian areas as well as family-friendly beaches, children’s play areas, cafes, restaurants, and shopping.

Set on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the race car–themed Ferrari World features 20 rides and attractions—everything from the toddler-friendly carousel of Ferrari prototype cars to cutting-edge racing simulators that will please older kids and teens. The largest indoor theme park in the world is also home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, a hydraulic-powered thrill ride that sees visitors strapped into a Ferrari Formula One-like coaster car and launched at speeds of up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour.

Opened in 2005, the 5-star Emirates Palace hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions for its sheer scale and grandeur. The multi-domed luxury hotel, part of Kempinski Hotels, sits on the beachfront in palm-sprinkled gardens and makes a lavish retreat for guests and a must-see for Abu Dhabi visitors.

Sitting on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is a reconstruction of an authentic Arabian village. The site offers everything from craft workshops to a replica souk and museum, as well as providing a window into desert life before the 20th-century oil boom.

Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi stands on Saadiyat Island near central Abu Dhabi. A collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and France, this museum’s stunning, filigreed metal dome draws visitors in to view a collection of artworks and artifacts designed to chart the story of the world’s civilizations.

Situated on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater, the Marina Mall is one of the city’s leading shopping destinations, with five floors of stores and leisure venues. There are more than 400 shops, a movie multiplex, family entertainment hubs, and a mix of restaurants, cafés, and fast food options.

A man-made isle north of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is a multi-attraction destination offering family entertainment, sports, and shopping. The biggest draws to the 9.5-square-mile (25-square-kilometer) island include Ferrari World, the Yas Marina Formula I race circuit, Yas Waterworld aquapark, and the indoor Warner Bros. World complex.

Slated as the home of Abu Dhabi’s culture, the Cultural Foundation is a hub for art, film, music, and theater, shining a light on the city’s creative spirit. Featuring multiple art galleries, a children’s library, and auditorium for world-class music, theater, and dance performances, the Cultural Foundation embraces its traditions while moving towards the future.

Located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, Warner Bros. World is a massive indoor theme park dedicated to the shows and movies of the giant entertainment company. Inside, you’ll enter a parallel universe filled with characters fromBatman andThe Flintstones, explore their movie-set towns, and enjoy rides and interactive family attractions.

Yas Waterworld sits on Yas Island just outside Abu Dhabi and attracts families, thrill seekers, and water lovers of all ages. Alongside five one-of-a-kind rides, the park serves up an additional 40 slides, experiences, and adventures. This attraction also stages entertainment events and offers restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Sitting northeast of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is one of the city’s emerging tourist and cultural hotspots. Covering 10.5 square miles (27 square kilometers), the low-lying island is characterized by state-of-the-art art cultural centers, 5-star hotels, and white-sand beaches.

Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping mall, is home to 370 stores and more than 60 dining and entertainment venues. Located on Yas Island on the fringes of the city, it offers everything from designer fashion houses to toy stores, all complemented by restaurants, a state-of-the-art multiplex cinema, and other family amusements.

Hugging the border of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, Jebel Hafeet is the highest peak in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the second highest in the country. Rising 4,068 feet (1,240 meters) above the barren desert landscape, the mountain offers vast and stunning views of Al Ain and the far-off Oman from its limestone peak.

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is the first and largest public institution in the United Arab Emirates that provides complete veterinary care to falcons. While a hospital for these birds of prey may seem unusual, falcons play an important role in Bedouin culture and Arabic tradition.